The notion that cheap equals low quality isn’t always true. In fact, the cheapest cyber security schools have excellent curricula and expert professors to prepare you for the field. A wide variety of prestigious schools often offer low tuition rates to promote education and economic growth in the state, while others do it to subsidize the financial burden on low-income households.
If you want to earn a college degree in cyber security but can’t afford the high cost of education that comes with attending an acclaimed school, this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of the most affordable cyber security schools in the US to get you started. You’ll also learn how top schools offering the cheapest cyber security degrees break down the cost, so you can too.
What Are the Most Affordable Cyber Security Schools in the US?
The most affordable cyber security schools in the US are Florida State University, Brigham Young University, and the University of South Florida. These schools have the cheapest annual tuition rates for residents and affordable rates for non-residents enrolled in cyber security programs.
How Much Do the Cheapest Cyber Security Schools Cost?
The cheapest cyber security schools for four-year undergraduate degrees and advanced degrees cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per academic year. These rates usually depend on the level of your academic degree, your residency status, and the reputation of the school you’re enrolled in.
Cheapest Cyber Security Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and fees. These are the most prominent factors in your cyber security education cost. Tuition is usually billed per credit or semester. Some of the fees include registration, application, mandatory, and electronic fees.
- Health insurance. Some schools include health care in the college costs. However, if you apply for health insurance coverage, you are required to make annual payments to maintain your plan.
- Housing. If you want to live on campus, you are expected to pay for room and board. This fee depends on the state you choose to go to school in, as some states offer better housing plans than others. You may also be required to make monthly or yearly rent payments.
- Books and supplies. Some schools allow you to rent books instead of paying for them. However, the cost of your cyber security books and supplies depends on the number of courses you take per semester and the degree level you’re enrolled in.
- Meals. Meal plans vary by school. Some schools offer three-a-day meal plans, while others offer more. Regardless, you may be required to pay daily, monthly, or yearly.
Why You Should Attend a Cyber Security School
You should attend a cyber security school because it provides you with the industry leverage you need to succeed in the cyber security field. Most academic programs incorporate professional certification training and examination preparation for interested students. This means that you have ample cyber security job opportunities to boost your earning potential.
Attending an accredited cyber security school broadens your knowledge of the technology and business industry. You’ll learn about the techniques of cyber security through classroom instructions or lab exercises and explore an interdisciplinary curriculum that gives you a holistic approach to tackling real-world cyber security issues.
Best Cyber Security School Career Options
There is a wide range of career options for cyber security graduates. Some of the most popular career options include information security analyst, cyber security analyst, cyber security engineer, information technology manager, systems analyst, network architect, security software developer, digital forensics analyst, and ethical hacker positions.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for information security analysts is 33 percent, meaning it is much faster than the overall industry average. This means that 47,100 new cyber security-related jobs will be available between 2020 and 2030.
Cyber Security Salary
The average salary for a BS in Cyber Security graduate is $74,000, according to PayScale. The average salary for a cyber security graduate with a master’s degree is $91,000 annually. If you decide to get your doctoral degree in the subject, the average salary for doctoral, cyber security professionals is $172,000 per year.
Can You Attend Cyber Security School for Free?
Yes, you can attend a cyber security school for free if you qualify for substantial financial aid that covers your entire tuition. However, high financial rewards are not as easy to come by and are mostly reserved for students that express a financial need, academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, or belong to minority groups.
If attending a university to start your cyber security career isn’t feasible, then consider a cyber security coding bootcamp or other methods of education. Bootcamps are a cheaper and faster way to break into tech and may provide financial aid opportunities that cover tuition or defer it.
It’s important to note that free online courses and tutorials won’t make you a cyber security professional. However, they can give you the foundation and insight you need to pursue further studies or launch your career. You can start by checking out MIT OpenCourseWare or MOOCs.
Cheapest Cyber Security Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | $5,656 | $18,786 | 83% |
| Brigham Young University- Provo | $6,120 | $6,120 | 77% |
| University of South Florida | $6,410 | $17,324 | 75% |
| Kennesaw State University | $6,436 | $17,690 | 49% |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,963 | 67% |
| New Mexico State University | $7,301 | $23,767 | 50% |
| CUNY City College | $7,340 | $15,290 | 57% |
| Missouri State University | $8,294 | $16,498 | 59% |
| Marshall University | $8,552 | $19,606 | 52% |
| University of New Orleans | $9,072 | $13,908 | 39% |
What Are the Cheapest Cyber Security Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Cyber Security School With Financial Aid
Even though the schools listed above offer low tuition rates, you may need to source alternative financing options if you’re from a low-income family or a non-resident. The good news is that most universities and colleges offer a variety of financial aid options to students. We’ve outlined some of the most popular financial aid options for cyber security students.
Federal Grants
Grants are provided by the federal or state government to students enrolled in career schools or colleges. There are several types of grants offered through the US Department of Education, including the Federal Pell Grant and TEACH grant. To access federal grants, you must have a financial need and submit a FAFSA application.
While most grants are not repayable, a student might be asked to repay a grant if they received external sponsorship, withdrew from the sponsored program, or did not adhere to the grant requirements.
Federal Loans
Unlike grants, loans are repayable, and the interest rate terms are usually favorable. Loans are also accessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The four types of federal student loans are Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS, and Direct Consolidation. Each of these loans comes with a maximum borrowing amount and is targeted toward different classes of borrowers.
Private Loans
A private organization or non-profit organization usually gives private loans. The private lender can be a bank, state-affiliate, school, individual, or credit union. Compared to federal lenders, private lenders have a less favorable loan repayment system. You may be required to make periodic deposits using a fluid interest rate, have a good credit score, or cosigner to qualify.
While loan providers offer reasonable payment terms, they don’t offer debt pardons. An alternative private loan to consider is an Income Share Agreement, which relieves you of your financial burden throughout college for a percentage of your future earnings.
Work-Study
If you can’t secure a federal grant or don’t like the idea of repaying a loan, you can earn through a work-study program. This can help you cover part or all of your tuition. Work-study programs are ideal alternatives for part-time students or adult learners because of the time considerations. They are also an ideal way to gain real-world experience in your discipline.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Cyber Security School Program
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for financial aid to finance your cyber security degree program.
- Step 1. Start by reviewing the requirements for federal aid. This information can be obtained from your chosen school’s official website or the FAFSA website.
- Step 2. In some cases, your admissions advisor will guide you through this process during your enrollment. However, you should ensure you gather the documents required and submit the FAFSA form early to maximize your award.
- Step 3. Once you’ve turned in your form, FAFSA will review it and provide a student aid report (SAR) for you to approve or resubmit. The SAR contains a summary of the information you provided in your form.
- Step 4. Once your aid has been approved, you’ll receive an aid offer from your school’s financial aid office. You should review your options and accept non-repayable funds first.
- Step 5. If you wish to continue receiving aid throughout your college education, you would need to reapply each academic year before the FAFSA deadline.
Best Cyber Security Scholarships
- SPS Scholarship | Amount: $25,000 and $34,000 for up to three years. This award is offered by the US Office of Personnel Management. Qualified majors include computer science, computer engineering, security of emerging technologies, cyber law, privacy, and policy. Undergrad students receive $25,000 and graduate students receive $34,000.
- Stokes Educational Scholarship | Amount: $30,000 annually. This scholarship is for prospective students preparing to study computer science, foreign language, computer, and electrical engineering. You’ll work for NSA for 1.5 times the length of your academic program. Scholarship recipients work on computer security, communication systems, and networking projects.
- CIA Scholarship Program | Amount: $25,000 annually. This program is for graduate and undergraduate students in science and technology, analytical, support, and digital design majors, including cyber security. Candidates should be preparing for or already enrolled in an accredited institution.
- KnowB4 Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. In partnership with (ISC)², this award is offered to female students pursuing degrees in cyber security, information assurance, or related fields. Aside from the financial award, the recipient will receive an (ISC)² certification education package.
- Snort Scholarship | Amount: $10,000. This scholarship contest is offered by Cisco to graduating high school seniors who are members of qualified organizations, can provide a sponsor, and are pursuing degrees in cyber security, computer networking, information technology, and computer science.
- (ISC)² Scholarships | Amount: $1,000 to $5,000. The (ISC)² annual scholarships are awarded to students looking to pursue careers in cyber security in a bid to bridge the cyber security workforce gap. It offers 20 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in cyber security programs and 10 awards to women in cyber security programs based on financial need, industry passion, and academic excellence.
Cheapest Undergraduate Cyber Security Schools
The cheapest undergraduate cyber security schools ensure low-income students worry less about the cost of college education, which then allows them to focus on their academic and career success. Below are the best schools offering affordable rates to cyber security students.
Most Affordable Cyber Security Associate Degree Programs
- Central Texas College | Associate of Science in Cyber Defense and Information Assurance | $100/credit (resident); $124/credit (non-district resident); $250/credit (non-resident). This in-person or online program includes 60 credits in two years. You can earn two-level certificates in cyber defense and information assurance.
- Alexandria Technical and Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security, Virtualization, and Networking| $176.43/credit (in person); $205.15/credit (online). This online or on-site associate degree teaches the skills needed to design, develop, configure, and manage computer networks and cyber security infrastructure. You’ll cover courses in Cisco security and Python programming.
- Minnesota State College Southeast | Associate of Applied Science Cyber and Information Security | $182.78/credit. In this 60-credit program, you’ll learn to detect and prevent computer threats and crimes. Besides gaining knowledge of networking and digital forensics, you’ll get fundamental knowledge of the criminal justice system.
- University of the Potomac | Associate of Science in Network Security Management | $240/credit. This program is 60 credits, 42 of which are transferable. The curriculum centers on the processes and methods used to transfer information over secure networks, data communication, network security management, and computer forensics.
- Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Science in Cyber Security | $149.55/credit (in state); $292.57/credit (out of state). This NSA-certified degree program prepares you to meet the security demands of the real world. It includes two free courses and has a 60-credit minimum, which can be earned in four semesters.
Most Affordable Cyber Security Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in IT-Cyber Security and Digital Forensics | $192.45/credit. This bachelor’s degree teaches the application of cyber security best practices to infrastructural and network systems. You’ll learn how to communicate cyber security findings to stakeholders, how to define computing needs, and investigate cyber security threats and attacks.
- Kennesaw State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $199/credit. Although this program is still new, students build in-demand cyber security skills for real-world applications. You’ll earn credits in client systems security, server systems security, and perimeter defense.
- Bellevue University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $335/credit (in person); $440/credit (online). This degree is a minimum of 127 credits in integrative general education courses, major courses, and electives. On-campus and online students will learn cyber security fundamentals, technical and non-technical cyber security solutions, risk assessment, and incident response.
- Purdue University Global | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $371/credit. This online degree is 120-semester credits taken over four years of full-time study. You can learn CISSP certification preparation, data management, cloud computing, game development, programming and analytics, and supply chain management and logistics.
- Old Dominion University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $374/credit (in state); $407/credit (out of state). This is a completion degree program offering online classes. It is a minimum of 30 credits, which includes lab exercises, classroom lectures, and research projects.
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Cyber Security
A graduate degree opens doors to more industry and educational opportunities. These opportunities include collaboration, higher earning potential, and promotions. We identified the most affordable graduate degree program in cyber security for different classes of learners.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Cyber Security
- Kennesaw State University | Master of Science in Cyber Security | $205-$383/credit. This master’s degree is offered through KSU’s cyber institute. It is an online, 30-credit program that teaches computing infrastructure, programming principles, and data communication and networking.
- American Public University | Master of Science of Cyber Security Studies | $370/credit (regular); $250/credit (military). This is a 36-credit program that builds familiarity with the practices, methods, processes, and policies of cyber security agencies and sectors.
- Missouri State University | Master of Science in Cyber Security | $289/credit (resident); $582/credit (non-resident). This degree requires 30 graduate-level credits where you’ll complete an internship and independent study in information technology and cyber security. You can transfer six credits into this MS program.
- The University of Maine Augusta | Master of Science in Cyber Security | $421/credit (resident); $526/credit (non-resident). This degree requires a capstone project proposal and presentation or a research thesis. It can be earned online or in person. It includes courses in cyber security investigation, network security management, and cyber security operations.
- The University of North Dakota | Master of Science in Cyber Security | $480/credit. This is a 36-credit program that includes cyber security analysis, ethical hacking, secure networks, and computer forensics tracks. This program also includes a capstone project.
Most Affordable PhDs in Cyber Security Universities
- Dakota State University | Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operation | $470.45/credit (resident); $580.60/credit (non-resident). This PhD program includes 15 credits in core courses, nine credits in research core, three credits in a research seminar, 25 credits in a dissertation, and nine credits in electives. It allows you to build in-depth knowledge of research and applications of cyber security.
- Colorado Technical University | Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science-Cyber Security and Information Assurance | $598/credit. This online program is 100 credits in information assurance, enterprise security architecture, and security management courses. It includes doctoral research, a dissertation, and a symposium.
- Capitol Technology University | Doctor of Science in Cyber Security | $933/credit. This online program is completed in three years. You’ll discover information assurance research literature, professional research theory and practice, research design, and complete a dissertation.
- Northcentral University | Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Security | $1,094/credit. This program takes an applied theory and hands-on approach to the study of cyber security. Through the completion of 60 credits and 20 courses, you’ll devise leadership strategies for tackling challenges in cyber security operations and architecture.
- Nova Southeastern University | Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Security Management | $1,346/credit. This is a multidisciplinary research program that centers on information security and cyber security management. It requires 51 to 66 credits to be completed through a research course and dissertation.
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Cyber Security School
If you’re ready to get started with earning your degree, there are essential factors you must take to ensure your academic and career success in cyber security. We’ve outlined a list of considerations for prospective cyber security students.
Identify Your Cyber Security Niche
Cyber security is a broad field, so most schools offer a specialized cyber security degree. Depending on your ideal career path, review the cyber security concentrations or specializations available for your degree level. Some of the most ideal specializations include cyber defense, networking, information assurance, digital forensics, and computer networks.
Review the Reputation of Each Program
The school and the program’s reputation can boost your employment outcome. If you want to gain industry leverage and access to ideal career opportunities, enroll in high-ranking programs. Such programs usually hold NCAE designations from the National Security Agency. They also offer internship and networking opportunities with industry experts.
Review the Program Cost
Now that you’ve identified your ideal program type, you should consider how much it costs. You can attend a good program with affordable rates but be strategic about it. Set a budget and search through your preferred nationally ranked programs to find out which one fits into your budget. You should also review the requirements for books. If you don’t have to buy books, that’s another way to cut costs.
Consider Your Financial Aid Options
Most schools provide financial aid options to help enrolled students pay their tuition. Find schools that offer substantial financial awards that are easy to access. In most cases, you’ll be guided through the federal aid process.
Design a Viable Payment Plan
Even if you can afford a deposit to secure admission, don’t hurry to enroll in the program just yet. You need a tailored payment plan that can sustain you throughout your degree so it doesn’t interfere with your academic performance. There are several payment methods available. However, if you’re not financially adept, you should speak to a professional.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Cyber Security School
- Research finance management. If you want to save money while at school, you have to first learn the fundamentals of personal financial management. Start by reading books, taking courses, or seeking professional consultation on financial management.
- Create a budget. With the knowledge of managing your finances in college, you’ll find it easy to make budgets. Having a budget means your income will be well allocated based on the scale of importance and expenses.
- Have a steady income. Having a budget doesn’t make your money problems go away, so it’s important to have a stream of income, especially if you’re a low-income student.
- Consider a work-study program. If you’re a part-time student, enroll in a work-study program to make money outside of a scholarship or grant. If you’re a full-time student, learn a simple skill that can allow you to raise enough funds to save and invest.
- Make more than you spend. Remember to put in more than you take out. If you make $1,000 in a month, you shouldn’t spend $1,000 in a month. Having money to fall back on after graduation can save you from the stress associated with the job search.
Cheapest Online Schools for Cyber Security
Online programs offer study convenience, curriculum autonomy, and in some cases, lower tuition rates than in-person programs. Below are the cheapest online schools for cyber security.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $199/credit (undergraduate); $383/credit (graduate) | 49% |
| Franklin University | $398/credit (undergraduate); $670/credit (graduate) | 25% |
| Bellevue University | $440/credit (undergraduate); $630/credit (graduate) | 23% |
| Purdue University Global | $371/credit (undergraduate); $420/credit (graduate) | 29% |
| Western Governors University | $3,950/six-month term (undergraduate); $4,295/six-month term (graduate) | 64% |
Most Affordable Online Cyber Security Bachelor’s Programs
- Kennesaw State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $199 per credit. This online degree program welcomes students from University System of Georgia affiliates and associate degree holders. You’ll choose between three tracks, including network security, cyber crime, and systems security.
- Franklin University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $398 per credit. This 124-credit program allows you to earn your degree in four years. You may transfer 76 percent of your credits. As an NSA-designated program, you’ll learn security risk management, information assurance, digital forensics, and incident response.
- Purdue University Global | Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $371 per credit. You must earn 120-semester credits over four years for this program. You’ll learn to design and implement solutions in computing, apply cyber security practices, and become familiar with the processes to combat cyber security threats and attacks.
- Bellevue University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | $440 per credit. Aside from the fact that you don’t need prerequisites in this 127 credit program, it allows you to learn from experts through the department of defense, NASA, and USAF. It even prepares students to work at NASA and USAF.
- Western Governors University | Online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance | $3,950 per six-month term. This affordable degree program allows you to complete 34 courses in 21 months. It also includes 14 professional certifications to boost your resume. Aside from a capstone project, you’ll learn secure systems analysis and design, IT fundamentals, and digital forensics.
Most Affordable Online Cyber Security Master’s Programs
- Kennesaw State University | Online Master of Science in Cyber Security | $383 per credit. This school offers low tuition rates with no distinction between residents and non-residents. It is best for working professionals seeking career growth or change. You’ll learn about securing enterprise infrastructure and cyber analytics and intelligence.
- Purdue University Global | Online Master of Science in Cyber Security Management | $420 per credit. This degree program includes 40 credit hours over six-week sessions. You’ll explore concentrations in data analytics, project management, secure software development, and quality assurance.
- Bellevue University | Online Master of Science in Cyber Security | $630 per credit. This is an immersive online cyber security degree program designed to allow you to build skills in IT governance, risk management, and incident response and security. It is 36 credits which can be earned over two years.
- Franklin University | Online Master of Science in Cyber Security | $670 per credit. This is a 36-credit program that can be earned in 16 months. You’ll get micro-credentials in security management and penetration testing as part of your degree program.
- Western Governors University | Online Master of Science in Cyber Security and Information Assurance | $4,295 per six-month term. This program can be completed in 22 months and includes nine courses and a capstone project. It also allows you to earn two EC-Council certifications as part of your degree cost.
Will Attending an Online Cyber Security School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online cyber security school will save you money because you don’t have to worry about non-educational fees like transportation and campus housing. It also means that you have more autonomy over your program timeline and can adjust it to suit your schedule.
Benefits of Online Cyber Security Programs
- Ease in minimizing education costs. An online cyber security program allows you to cut down on unnecessary expenses while increasing your earning and saving power. Some schools even price their online programs lower than the on-campus programs.
- Increase in productivity levels. Statista reports show that almost 45 percent of people work more effectively at home compared to the office. The flexibility in schedule allows you to plan and maintain an active workflow. If you have flexible time, you can design your workspace to suit your learning patterns and needs.
- Extended program lengths. You can complete your curriculum at your own pace. This way, if you’re a low-income student, you can easily budget your college expenses or source for tuition without running into debts.
- Flexible schedule allowing for time management. An online cyber security program incorporates your busy schedule into your program timeline. Since you don’t have to attend physical classes, you can maintain a part-time job and attend to your family duties.
- Access to more student support and services. Since you’re online, you typically have around-the-clock access to student support and services both from instructors and program providers. Other services include a virtual tutoring center, dedicated student coach, real-time mentorship from instructors, and academic advisors.
Highest-Paying Cyber Security Careers
| Cyber Security Job | Cyber Security Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IT Systems Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $159,010 |
| Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
Best Cyber Security Jobs Explained
There are several career paths in the cyber security industry, and the more knowledge and skills you acquire the more career opportunities you can take advantage of. Regardless of your education level, we’ve identified ideal job roles for cyber security graduates.
Cyber Security Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Cyber Security Schools
We chose the most affordable cyber security colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Cyber Security
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Cheapest Cyber Security Schools FAQ
You need an average GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale if you’re hoping to gain admission to a top cyber security school, as this is considered to be a good GPA for college. If your GPA is below 3.0, there are plenty of good schools that will still accept you. You could even attend a community college and later transfer to a top school if your grade point average is considerably below 3.0.
No, cyber security is not hard for beginners. In most cases, those seeking an introduction to cyber security are required to complete prerequisite courses that allow them to seamlessly blend into their technical cyber security curricula. If you don’t have critical thinking and analytical skills and are not keen on building them, you can pursue theoretical studies on cyber security.
No, coding is not required for cyber security, but that depends on your education provider. Most schools include popular programming languages and coding in the curriculum to allow students access to more career opportunities. Business schools don’t include programming or coding in the curriculum since it usually focuses on cyber security leadership and management. However, if you aim to earn above the national average, it will be beneficial to learn to code.
Yes, you can learn cyber security on your own, but it would be difficult to prove your competence and hands-on experience as a cyber security engineer to potential employers in the public and private sectors if you don’t have an academic degree or an industry credential that validates your expertise.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
